Even though red tide is a part of nature, there has been a global increase in red tide occurrences. There are a lot of questions as to why these increases have happened. Scientist are looking for the possible answers, but those answers are hard to find.

Those involved in studying red tides are now better informed through international exchanges of scientific knowledge. They also have improved analytical capabilities for the detection of individual toxins.

Studies are going on to determine whether red tides may be stimulated by coastal pollution and whether the use of inshore waters for shellfish and finfish farming causes a nutrient enrichment from feed and/or excretion products. Also, researchers are studying the theory that introducing an aqua culture operation could make an existing organism that may be harmful or toxic more noticeable.